Cheng Xinwen, head of the Civil Division 1 of the Supreme People's Court.

A government guideline which instructs cities across China to open up gated residential compounds to ease traffic congestion has aroused public debate, with many people showing concerns over their own property rights and personal safety.

The guideline, issued by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council on Sunday, calls for the cities across China to open up the newly built communities to the wider public, and get roads in these communities connected to the urban road system.

The guideline also says that the existing residential and corporate compounds will gradually be added to the urban road system so that the roads in these communities can be put into public use. Moreover, it states that no more gated residential compounds will be built in principle.

At a press conference Tuesday, Cheng Xinwen, head of the Civil Division 1 of the Supreme People's Court was asked whether the guideline is against the existing property law.

Cheng says that just as what has been said by the related departments, the enclosed residential compounds belong to the agrarian age. As we have stepped into the 21st century characterized by the development of industrialization, information technology and new-type urbanization, we need new ideas and ways to accelerate the construction of modern cities.

Cheng adds that this guideline is tasked to maximize the use of urban land and resources. As for the urban development, this guideline with keen foresight advances with the times.

At present, this guideline is a policy released by the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China and the State Council. A legalization process is needed to address the issues concerning the protection of the property rights of home owners. The people’s court will pay close attention to it and respond actively, Chen says.